Customer service is one of the most important factors of your cruise vacation. No one wants to wait in long lines at the customer service desk or walk around trying to find a crew member to help with something. The more crew members available for each passenger the smoother a cruise will be.
So, we compared the biggest cruise lines in the world and looked at the number of crew members compared to the double capacity of guests on each cruise ship.
Over 100 cruise ships were compared to see how many passengers per crew member were on each ship.
Using the number of every crew member on a ship is not a perfect metric. After all, cruise passengers only interact with certain crew members that are in public spaces on a ship. But still this figure gives an idea of the kind of service you can expect.
This list does not compare luxury cruise lines like Seaborn Cruise Line, Azamara, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Sea Cruises, etc. These lines are in a different tier, and you can expect a passenger-crew ratio closer to 1:1.
Related: A Better Crew Makes for a Better Cruise
How did we calculate the passenger to crew ratio in this list?
To come up with the figures below we took the double-capacity of a cruise ship and divided that by the number of crew members. We then sorted the ships of each major cruise line by this ratio from worst to best in terms of more crew members per guest.
Also, a key variable that can change from trip to trip is the actual number of guests on a voyage, but using a standard double-capacity figure keeps that variable static in our calculations.
I also realize that the crew numbers can fluctuate, but I did try to get the latest numbers based on the data available.
Each cruise line is compared separately, and then an average passenger to crew ratio number is given.
Remember, the lower the number the better the ratio. So a 2.25 means there are an average of 2.25 passengers for each crew member on the ship. This may also be represented as 1:2.25.
I recently compared cruise ships by their space to guest ratio as well. This was an imperfect but interesting way to examine how crowded a ship may feel. But an even bigger factor in your cruise experience is customer service and how accessible the crew is to each guest.
Related: Best cruise lines compared
Carnival Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Horizon | 3,934 | 1,450 | 2.71 |
| Carnival Panorama | 3,934 | 1,450 | 2.71 |
| Carnival Vista | 3,934 | 1,450 | 2.71 |
| Carnival Radiance | 2,984 | 1,100 | 2.71 |
| Carnival Sunrise | 2,984 | 1,108 | 2.69 |
| Carnival Breeze | 3,690 | 1,386 | 2.66 |
| Carnival Magic | 3,690 | 1,386 | 2.66 |
| Carnival Dream | 3,646 | 1,369 | 2.66 |
| Mardi Gras | 5,282 | 2,000 | 2.64 |
| Carnival Celebration | 5,282 | 2,000 | 2.64 |
| Carnival Splendor | 3,012 | 1,150 | 2.62 |
| Carnival Sunshine | 3,002 | 1,150 | 2.61 |
| Carnival Glory | 2,980 | 1,150 | 2.61 |
| Carnival Conquest | 2,980 | 1,150 | 2.59 |
| Carnival Freedom | 2,980 | 1,150 | 2.59 |
| Carnival Liberty | 2,980 | 1,160 | 2.57 |
| Carnival Valor | 2,980 | 1,180 | 2.53 |
| Carnival Elation | 2,052 | 900 | 2.28 |
| Carnival Legend | 2,124 | 930 | 2.28 |
| Carnival Miracle | 2,124 | 930 | 2.28 |
| Carnival Pride | 2,124 | 930 | 2.28 |
| Carnival Spirit | 2,124 | 930 | 2.28 |
| Carnival Paradise | 2,052 | 920 | 2.23 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Carnival Cruise Line ships is 2.54.
Check latest price drops on Carnival Cruises here.
Royal Caribbean Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty of the Seas | 3,798 | 1,300 | 2.92 |
| Navigator of the Seas | 3,376 | 1,200 | 2.81 |
| Anthem of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,500 | 2.79 |
| Ovation of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,500 | 2.79 |
| Quantum of the Seas | 4,180 | 1,500 | 2.79 |
| Freedom of the Seas | 3,782 | 1,360 | 2.78 |
| Vision of the Seas | 2,050 | 742 | 2.76 |
| Spectrum of the Seas | 4,246 | 1,551 | 2.74 |
| Independence of the Seas | 3,634 | 1,360 | 2.67 |
| Enchantment of the Seas | 2,252 | 852 | 2.64 |
| Explorer of the Seas | 3,114 | 1,180 | 2.64 |
| Adventure of the Seas | 3,114 | 1,185 | 2.63 |
| Mariner of the Seas | 3,114 | 1,185 | 2.63 |
| Grandeur of the Seas | 1,992 | 760 | 2.62 |
| Rhapsody of the Seas | 1,998 | 765 | 2.61 |
| Wonder of the Seas | 5,734 | 2,204 | 2.6 |
| Voyager of the Seas | 3,114 | 1,200 | 2.6 |
| Serenade of the Seas | 2,146 | 832 | 2.58 |
| Odyssey of the Seas | 4,200 | 1,663 | 2.53 |
| Brilliance of the Seas | 2,142 | 848 | 2.53 |
| Symphony of the Seas | 5,518 | 2,200 | 2.51 |
| Jewel of the Seas | 2,112 | 842 | 2.51 |
| Allure of the Seas | 5,492 | 2,200 | 2.49 |
| Oasis of the Seas | 5,400 | 2,181 | 2.48 |
| Radiance of the Seas | 2,143 | 894 | 2.4 |
| Harmony of the Seas | 5,497 | 2,300 | 2.39 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is 2.63.
Check latest cruise deals on Royal Caribbean cruise ships here.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Escape | 4,266 | 1,733 | 2.46 |
| Norwegian Getaway | 3,963 | 1,646 | 2.41 |
| Norwegian Breakaway | 3,959 | 1,657 | 2.39 |
| Norwegian Epic | 4,100 | 1,724 | 2.38 |
| Pride of America | 2,186 | 927 | 2.36 |
| Norwegian Bliss | 4,004 | 1,700 | 2.36 |
| Norwegian Jade | 2,402 | 1,037 | 2.32 |
| Norwegian Encore | 3,998 | 1,735 | 2.30 |
| Norwegian Star | 2,348 | 1,031 | 2.28 |
| Norwegian Dawn | 2,340 | 1,032 | 2.27 |
| Norwegian Gem | 2,394 | 1,070 | 2.24 |
| Norwegian Joy | 3,804 | 1,700 | 2.24 |
| Norwegian Spirit | 2,032 | 912 | 2.23 |
| Norwegian Sky | 2,004 | 899 | 2.23 |
| Norwegian Prima | 3,099 | 1,388 | 2.23 |
| Norwegian Pearl | 2,394 | 1,072 | 2.23 |
| Norwegian Jewel | 2,376 | 1,100 | 2.16 |
| Norwegian Sun | 1,936 | 906 | 2.14 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Norwegian cruise ships is 2.29.
Check the latest cruise deals on Norwegian Cruise Line ships here.
MSC Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Sinfonia | 2,546 | 721 | 3.53 |
| MSC Armonia | 2,160 | 721 | 3 |
| MSC Opera | 2,160 | 721 | 3 |
| MSC Seaview | 4,132 | 1,413 | 2.92 |
| MSC Preziosa | 3,959 | 1,388 | 2.85 |
| MSC Grandiosa | 4,842 | 1,704 | 2.84 |
| MSC Virtuosa | 4,842 | 1,704 | 2.84 |
| MSC Bellissima | 4,500 | 1,595 | 2.82 |
| MSC Meraviglia | 4,488 | 1,608 | 2.79 |
| MSC Seashore | 4,540 | 1,648 | 2.75 |
| MSC Seaside | 4,132 | 1,513 | 2.73 |
| MSC Lirica | 1,984 | 752 | 2.64 |
| MSC Musica | 2,550 | 987 | 2.58 |
| MSC Orchestra | 2,550 | 987 | 2.58 |
| MSC Poesia | 2,550 | 987 | 2.58 |
| MSC Magnifica | 2,518 | 987 | 2.55 |
| MSC Divina | 3,502 | 1,388 | 2.52 |
| MSC Fantasia | 3,274 | 1,370 | 2.39 |
| MSC Splendida | 3,274 | 1,370 | 2.39 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on MSC cruise ships is 2.75.
Check out the latest deals on MSC cruise ships here.
Celebrity Cruises Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Reflection | 3,046 | 1,271 | 2.4 |
| Celebrity Silhouette | 2,902 | 1,250 | 2.32 |
| Celebrity Beyond | 3,260 | 1,416 | 2.3 |
| Celebrity Solstice | 2,852 | 1,250 | 2.28 |
| Celebrity Equinox | 2,852 | 1,250 | 2.28 |
| Celebrity Eclipse | 2,852 | 1,271 | 2.24 |
| Celebrity Millennium | 2,218 | 999 | 2.22 |
| Celebrity Summit | 2,218 | 999 | 2.22 |
| Celebrity Apex | 2,910 | 1,320 | 2.2 |
| Celebrity Constellation | 2,184 | 999 | 2.19 |
| Celebrity Infinity | 2,170 | 999 | 2.17 |
| Celebrity Edge | 2,918 | 1,377 | 2.12 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Celebrity cruise ships is 2.25.
See the latest deals on Celebrity cruise ships here.
Princess Cruises Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enchanted Princess | 3,660 | 1,346 | 2.72 |
| Discovery Princess | 3,660 | 1,346 | 2.72 |
| Sky Princess | 3,660 | 1,346 | 2.72 |
| Royal Princess | 3,560 | 1,346 | 2.64 |
| Regal Princess | 3,560 | 1,346 | 2.64 |
| Majestic Princess | 3,560 | 1,346 | 2.64 |
| Caribbean Princess | 3,142 | 1,200 | 2.62 |
| Crown Princess | 3,080 | 1,200 | 2.56 |
| Emerald Princess | 3,080 | 1,200 | 2.56 |
| Ruby Princess | 3,080 | 1,200 | 2.56 |
| Island Princess | 2,200 | 900 | 2.44 |
| Diamond Princess | 2,670 | 1,100 | 2.43 |
| Sapphire Princess | 2,670 | 1,100 | 2.43 |
| Grand Princess | 2,600 | 1,150 | 2.26 |
| Coral Princess | 2,000 | 895 | 2.23 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Princess cruise ships is 2.54.
Check latest cruise deals on Princess Cruises here.
Holland America Cruise Ships by Passenger to Crew Ratio
| Cruise Ship | Double Capacity | Crew | Pass/Crew Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Koningsdam | 2,650 | 1,036 | 2.56 |
| MS Nieuw Statendam | 2,666 | 1,053 | 2.53 |
| MS Rotterdam | 2,668 | 1,053 | 2.53 |
| MS Westerdam | 1,964 | 800 | 2.46 |
| MS Oosterdam | 1,964 | 812 | 2.42 |
| MS Noordam | 1,916 | 800 | 2.4 |
| MS Zaandam | 1,432 | 615 | 2.33 |
| MS Zuiderdam | 1,916 | 842 | 2.28 |
| MS Nieuw Amsterdam | 2,106 | 929 | 2.27 |
| MS Eurodam | 2,104 | 929 | 2.26 |
| MS Volendam | 1,432 | 647 | 2.21 |
Average Passenger to Crew ratio on Holland America Line ships is 2.39.
Check latest prices on Holland America cruises here.
